IMAG defines multiscale modeling as using mathematics and computation to represent and simulate a physiological system at more than one biological (spatial) scale. Biological scales include atomic, molecular, molecular complexes, sub-cellular, cellular, multi-cell systems, tissue, organ, multi-organ systems, organism, population, and behavior. Multiscale biomedical, biological and behavioral models may include dynamical processes which span multiple time and spatial scales.
The Multiscale Modeling (MSM) Consortium is a community of researchers participating in activities that promote the MSM Mission. The MSM is comprised of PI’s and key investigators, trainees involved in research projects focused on or related to multiscale modeling of biomedical, biological and behavioral systems. The MSM activities are determined by the participants of the MSM and conducted for the benefit of the participants. The MSM Consortium Steering Committee run the Task Forces within the MSM. The MSM Task Forces oversee Working Groups following the themes of the Task Forces. For Rules of Engagement in the MSM, please see the MSM FAQ page for details.
Since the inception of the MSM Consortium in 2006, through the IMAG supported MSM initiatives. The MSM has focused its efforts on developing and sharing biologically realistic, mechanistic models that cross spatiotemporal scales from atomistic levels to behavior. In many projects pertaining to biomedical research and medicine, mechanisms in physiology and high-fidelity medical simulations are of special focus. In particular, the MSM embraces a model-driven approach to experimental design, research study protocols and device development to accelerate the research endeavor.
The structure and function of the MSM Consortium was presented in this talk by Dr. Grace Peng to the Viral Pandemics WG on January 14, 2021: